Shared Facilitation Group

Wednesdays, ongoing bi-weekly3:00-5:00pm (New York)

There are spaces available in this peer-led Insight Dialogue practice cohort that meets online every Wednesday. For clarity, this isn’t a program or a course that leads to a ‘facilitator’ designation, but rather an ongoing community joined in zeal for practice and self leadership. We invite those who wish to cultivate their understanding and personal practice by engaging in a community deeply exploring Insight Dialogue and Dharma, and taking turns forming contemplations and leading the practice.

The basic format will be familiar to those who have previously engaged in online Insight Dialogue practice. Each weekly two hour session will be led by a pair of peer facilitators. We’ll begin with silence, then one facilitator will offer our practice, and later the other will refresh or expand the contemplation. After 90 minutes we’ll close and invite a 30-minute workshop atmosphere to explore the teachings and offerings.

In preparation for our sessions, the week’s pair of facilitators will meet online with Gary for approximately an hour. Some emailing may ensue to help fine-tune the offering.

Our sessions will include regular group process meetings during which we’ll discuss community issues, aspects of the teachings and practice, and other topics that emerge organically. Importantly, we’ll use these meetings to set our course of study and the ratio of process to practice. Through democratic leadership, together we’ll define our understandings and operating procedures. What is defined thus far is what has worked for another cohort, but we will emerge as our own community with our own practices.

Prerequisite and commitmentParticipation requires prior Insight Dialogue experience and enthusiasm for regular practice and shared leadership of the community. If you have questions about the suitability for you, please email Gary Steinberg.

Inquiry and application processWe aim to begin practice on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, though may need to adjust to accommodate the group formation process. Requests for participation will be handled by email, and in some cases may include a conversation via Zoom to explore suitability. Please email Gary Steinberg to express your interest in joining this cohort.

Living the Wings of Awakening: A Deep Dive

Living the Wings of Awakening is a 12 month study and practice program intended for those who wish to deepen in Dharma practice.

“So this is what you think of me: ‘The Blessed One, sympathetic, seeking our well-being, teaches the Dhamma out of sympathy.’ Then you should train yourselves — harmoniously, cordially, and without dispute — in the qualities I have pointed out, having known them directly: the four frames of reference, the four right exertions, the four bases of power, the five faculties, the five strengths, the seven factors for Awakening, the noble eightfold path.”— M.103

What is the Program?Living the Wings of Awakening is a 12‐month study and practice program intended for those who wish to deepen in Dharma practice. It is an invitation to go beyond the beginnings of practice and includes:1. Teaching, contemplations and exercises that explore the four foundations of mindfulness, four right efforts, four bases of success, five controlling faculties, five mental powers, seven factors of enlightenment, and the eight factors of the Noble Eightfold Path.2. Weekly Online gatherings with Gary where we will explore together the readings, practice, and everyday life application.3. Weekly Dyad/Triad opportunities. Participants will be paired and using the ID guidelines encouraged to meet to contemplate the Suttas and their application to everyday life.4. An optional in-person 3-4 day retreat TBD.5. Opportunity to meet with Gary one-on-one as desired or on a regular basis.

Who can apply?People who have been practicing Buddhist meditation for at least two years, practice meditation on a regular basis and have experience with Insight Dialogue guidelines. If you feel you have equivalent experience, please elaborate on your application.Registration is limited to 12 people.

When?Course to start the first week of November 2018.Weekly Meetings: TBD by doodle poll either Tuesday or Thursday between the hours of 1230 pm and 330 pm EST.Weekly Dyad practice – as determined by participants.

Space is limited. Due to the nature of online practice there are a limited number of spaces available in this cohort. Out of respect to all who wish to participate we ask that, before registering, you are committed to attending all sessions for the duration of the course.

Offered on a Dana BasisGary is a teacher who, in the Buddhist tradition, offers the teachings freely. As this program is being offered in the tradition of dana, participants are encouraged to explore the opportunity to practice dana, or the cultivation of generosity and giving. Participants may offer a donation to Gary at any point they feel moved; there is no correct sum or time to give. Donations can be offered by visiting the donate page.